Cannot compel states to adopt National Education Policy: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition advocating for the mandatory implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the states of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The court emphasized that education falls under the concurrent list of the Constitution, thereby granting states the autonomy to decide whether or not to adopt the NEP. The judgment underscores the principle of federalism, allowing states to tailor educational policies to their specific regional needs. The petitioner argued that the NEP would standardize education across the country, ensuring a cohesive learning environment. However, the Supreme Court highlighted that coercing states into adopting a central policy would undermine their constitutional rights. The bench clarified that while the NEP offers a framework for educational reforms, its implementation remains discretionary for state governments. This ruling comes amid ongoing debates about the NEP's provisions and its alignment with regional educational priorities. States like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the policy, preferring to retain their existing educational structures. The court's decision reinforces the notion that state governments hold the authority to choose educational paths that best serve their populations' interests.

— Authored by Next24 Live